Though they are not endemic to Puerto Rico, green iguanas have flourished here due to the absence of natural predators. They were introduced to Puerto Rico through the exotic pet trade and today are considered an invasive species, so much so that in a few decades the 4 million strong population now outnumbers the entire population of Puerto Rico. It is common to see them in trees, mangroves and near the side of the roads.

Known colloquially in Puerto Rico as gallina de palo, which loosely translates to “chicken of the trees”, these herbivores can grow to about 1.5 meters in length, though they can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and can live between 10 to 15 years in the wild.